Gulf State Park opens new trails

By Crystal Cole/Islander Editor
Posted 6/8/17

Gulf State Park officials have happily announced the addition of new trails that have been added to the park’s existing trail system.

The Gulf State Park Project with the University of Alabama …

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Gulf State Park opens new trails

Posted

Gulf State Park officials have happily announced the addition of new trails that have been added to the park’s existing trail system.

The Gulf State Park Project with the University of Alabama helped identify new areas where trails could be added to enhance and improve access to different areas of the park.

The new trails include the Lake Crossing Trail, which offers visitors views of Lake Shelby and connects the Gopher Tortoise Trail to the picnic area, and the Beach Mouse Bypass, a mile-long boardwalk near the Middle Lake that offers people a chance to observe wildlife and alligator watch.

Ally McLaughlin with Gulf State Park said visitors have responded positively to the new trails.

“People are loving it, especially the Lake Crossing Trail at Lake Shelby,” McLaughlin said. “It’s a new opportunity to enjoy and see new areas of the park.”

McLaughlin said the new trails also help highlight the extraordinary diversity found at Gulf State Park.

“It’s important to grow the trail network because we want to get people into the park and show them the variations in the ecosystem,” McLaughlin said. “That’s the main idea - to get people out into the park and see the amazing diversity we have here.”

McLaughlin said new trail maps have been released and are available for download from the park’s website at mygulfstatepark.com.

McLaughlin encouraged visitors and residents alike to come out and enjoy the new amenities.

“Even if you’re a local and you’ve been out here many times before, you’re probably going to see something new you haven’t seen before that you’re going to enjoy,” McLaughlin said.